
Greta and the Empty Heart
"Greta and the Empty Heart" is a fantasy musical by Lillia, about a sweet 16 year old Greta, struggling to get her heart back after it's been stolen by her emotionally abusive mother. With lots of fantastical elements, it's a fun and powerful story for all ages!
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Contact Lillia for professional video of workshop!

Meet the Creative Team!

Lillia Woodbury // writer

Lillia Woodbury (she/her) is SO EXCITED for everyone to see the musical she's been working on for three years! Lillia is a student at the IAMT Creators' Program and a lover of fantasy as a genre. She's passionate about revolutionizing the theatre industry to create space for all. She would like to thank her creative team, classmates and teachers at IAMT, family and loving friends for supporting her every step of the way.
Alexandra Ewing // Greta

Alexandra June (she/her)
is currently a student at The Institute For American Musical Theatre. She has been in over 30 productions in the Memphis, TN area including ‘The Addams Family’, ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Peter Pan’. She is honored to be a part of ‘Greta and the Empty Heart’!
Ella Stoller // Phoenix

Ella Stoller (they/she):
Recent credits include A Midsummer Night's Dream (U/S Helena) at Classic Theatre of Maryland, The Words (Sam) at LaMaMa / CultureHub NYC and graduating into the pandemic from Fordham University (BA Acting). Upcoming: Pyramus & Thisbe - a new musical / mockumentary.
Micayla Greco // Tenea

Micayla is stoked to be a part of her friend's brand new musical and to originate the role of Tenea. Born and raised in Rochester, NY, Micayla has been performing from a young age. She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Communications from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She has performed in theatres around NYC and ROC and works as a social media and production manager in Midtown. Her current passions lie in Acting, Improv, and Plant-Parenting. Thank you for joining us and supporting this production of "Greta and the Empty Heart!"
Patrick Swailes Caldwell // the Sun

Patrick Swailes Caldwell
Jenna Kepnes // ensemble

Jenna is thrilled to be a part of this brand new musical, live and in person! After graduating during the pandemic from the Institute for American Musical Theatre, Jenna has participated in virtual productions such as Spring Awakening (Wendla) and RENT (Maureen) with Quarantine: The Musical, and originated the role of Audrey in the new mini-musical Sex Education (created by Billy Zou and Julia Koyfman). She always has a craft or journal on hand and loves to spend time outside.
Kayleigh Stewart // ensemble

Kayleigh was born in Boston and raised in rural Connecticut. ​At the age of 18, Kayleigh moved to New York City to pursue her BFA in Drama at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She began her training at the Playwrights Horizons Theater School, diving into the beautiful world of collaboration, the well-rounded theater artist, and creating original work. Kayleigh then traveled to London to study Shakespeare in Performance at the renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts during her junior year. She then spent her last year at NYU returning to her musical theater roots at the New Studio on Broadway.​ Kayleigh now lives in New York, and hopes to continue to make challenging, meaningful theater while riding her bike, reading books, and petting small dogs.
Madison Ryan // ensemble

Madison Ryan (she/her/they/them)
is a current student at The Institute For American Musical Theatre. She is from New Milford, NJ, and moved to NYC shortly after her high school graduation to study with Mr. Andrew Joseph Drost, Mr. Michael Minarik, and the rest of the amazing faculty. She is incredibly grateful and so excited to be a part of ‘Greta and the Empty Heart’!
Emma Bilderback// Dramaturg

Emma Bilderback is a Los Angeles native and holds an MA in International Dramaturgy from the Universiteit van Amsterdam in the Netherlands. She is an international theater practitioner, and currently runs a virtual theater company with artists participating from all over the globe. She is a member of the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas, which holds the belief that theater is a vital art form that has the power to nourish, educate, and transform individuals and their communities and that dramaturgy is central to the process of theater-making. She is honored to have contributed to Greta and the Empty Heart and is grateful to the entire creative for their work and dedication!
Ben Greiner // director

Ben is an unabashed "Jack of All Trades," passionate about directing, choreographing, performing, and stage managing. Recently relocating to New York City, he is excited to grow his collaborative pool and artistic perspective. He is studying for a certificate from the IAMT Creators Program, writing and directing new works for the stage. He recently directed and choreographed Carner & Gregor's new musical TECHIES, at Rockford University and The Duplex in New York City. He holds a BFA in Directing, a minor in Dance (Choreography), and proficient studies in Stage Management from Rockford University. Ben has worked at the Barn Theatre, Playhouse on the Square, and at Timber Lake Playhouse as a resident performer, director, and choreographer. Always striving to enrich and entertain, Ben creates work that makes a powerful connection with the audience.
Dusty Sanders // music director

Dusty Sanders
Nancy Pop // producer

Nancy Pop
Keep scrolling for more fun!
“Why shouldn’t a work of fantasy be as truthful and profound about becoming an adult human being as the work of George Eliot or Jane Austen”
-Philip Pullman
Explore the World of the Musical!
Click below to explore the world of Mulberry Town and all its magical elements!
Mulberry Town
Mulberry Town is full of magic and mischief and where our heroes call home. Greta has spent her whole life growing up here, finding herself and trying to survive living with her mother. It looks a lot like our world, with cell phones and libraries but also magic and phoenix birds.